20 Stories for 20 Years: Their Stories Inspire
Before enrolling in Project JumpStart, Clyde Parker faced significant challenges and limited opportunities to provide for his family and children. While participating in a Responsible Fathers program, he heard about Project JumpStart from a guest speaker who shared how the program could create real career opportunities and long-term change.
Clyde says Project JumpStart gave him something he had been searching for: opportunity, resources, and the confidence to prove to himself that he could succeed through hard work and determination.
Today, Clyde works as a Resident Inspector for DFI in Anne Arundel County. His advice to others is simple: you get out of the program what you put into it, and hard work can open the door to endless possibilities.
Shawn's story coming soon!
Jazsmia's story coming soon!
Juan Mendoza joined Project JumpStart at a point in his life when he was uncertain about his future. After high school, he did not feel college was the right path and was working a 9-to-5 job at a car wash. Looking for a challenge and an opportunity to step outside his comfort zone, he decided to take a chance on Project JumpStart because of the variety of opportunities it offered.
Juan shared that the program gave him something he was missing: confidence. Before entering the program, he doubted himself even with basic hands-on tasks, but the encouragement of the instructors and supportive environment helped him believe in his abilities.
Today, he is a second-year electrical apprentice with Hirsch Electric and encourages others seeking direction to enroll because the opportunities and support are worth it.
Toemore Knight enrolled in Project JumpStart while searching for a job and a new opportunity. Through a partnership with Goodwill Industries, a counselor connected him to the program and helped set him on a new path.
Toemore shared that Project JumpStart did not give him something he lacked, but instead renewed something already within him. The support, encouragement, and belief shown by instructors and partners helped restore his confidence and sense of purpose. After the program, he briefly worked at Cleveland Construction before moving into the electrical field.
Today, he is a Superintendent at TEI Electrical Solutions and has also been teaching electrical courses for ABC since 2015. Tomar describes Project JumpStart as a catalyst for change and a strong starting point for anyone seeking a different path in life.
Trey Madison, 27, from West Baltimore, joined Project JumpStart after legal troubles and limited job opportunities. Before the program, he worked short-term jobs and struggled with stability while supporting his family. He found the free program online, contacted a recruiter, completed the process, and enrolled. Initially motivated by income potential, he chose electrical work as a path toward financial stability.
Through Project JumpStart, he gained job security, consistent opportunities, and access to employers willing to train and retain him. Today, he works with EMR Electric Motor Repair in the service division, maintaining commercial kitchen equipment including stoves, ice machines, and refrigeration systems.
He encourages others not to give up, emphasizing persistence, opportunity, and belief that change is always possible, in life and work every day.
Dominique Dorsey describes herself as a regular kid from Baltimore trying to find her own path after realizing she had been following directions that did not truly fit her. Inspired by a friend who found success through Project JumpStart, she decided to enroll and pursue a more positive path forward.
Dominique shared that Project JumpStart gave her something invaluable: opportunity. The program opened doors and gave her the chance to build a future that aligned with her goals.
Today, she works in electrical reinstalls and serves as a technician for Coca-Cola, where she has also earned a promotion. Dominique encourages others considering Project JumpStart to take that first step, stay committed, and trust the process because opportunities can create life-changing results.
Anthony's Story Coming Soon
Before Project JumpStart, the Niyi Ajisemola was unemployed and newly relocated to the United States, seeking a structured pathway into the construction industry.
The biggest challenge during training was adjusting from the metric system used in West Africa to the imperial system, which he overcame through practice, repetition, and applying skills in real situations. A key realization during the program was that success in construction depends not only on technical knowledge but also on consistency, following directions, and knowing when to take initiative. Beyond technical training, JumpStart strengthened communication skills, especially the importance of listening carefully to avoid costly mistakes.
The program also provided unexpected support in financial literacy, resume development, and job placement, leading to immediate employment with Southway Builders. Today, he is a Construction Manager with HNTB on the Purple Line project, crediting JumpStart for his career growth, stability, and opportunity.
Ian's Story Coming Soon!
Michael's Story Coming Soon
George's Story Coming Soon!
Mark Turner joined Project JumpStart during a difficult period in his life. Facing personal challenges, legal issues, and uncertainty about his future, he was introduced to the program by his parole officer and chose to take the initiative to enroll.
Mark describes Project JumpStart as a catalyst that changed the direction of his life. Through the program, he gained practical skills and confidence, learning hands-on trades knowledge and everyday skills that became valuable tools for his future. Since graduating, Mark has remained with Baltimore Fab for nearly three years, progressing from material handler to fabricator, machine operator, and now shop supervisor through multiple promotions.
Mark encourages anyone seeking change and growth to pursue Project JumpStart, emphasizing that success begins with a willingness and hunger to create a better future.
Antoine Boykins joined Project JumpStart while searching for his place in society after returning home from incarceration and working at McDonald’s while seeking new opportunities. He chose the program because it offered something different: paid training, new skills, and employment opportunities upon completion.
Antoine shared that Project JumpStart gave him something invaluable—a vision and an opportunity—which became the foundation for his future success. Today, he is a Field Manager with Scaffold Resource, where he oversees projects from Pennsylvania to North Carolina and has been with the company for 15 years. He also gives back as a Project JumpStart instructor, a role he has proudly held for nearly 12 years.
Antoine encourages others to pursue the opportunity, emphasizing that hard work can lead to a meaningful career helping build communities.
Dennis' Story Coming Soon!
Lonnie's Story Coming Soon!
After graduating high school and spending a year in college during the COVID shutdown, this future electrician realized college was not the right fit. Inspired by his father, an electrician, Jordan Burden enrolled in Project JumpStart to begin building a career in the trades and work toward his long-term goals of entrepreneurship and real estate investment.
Now in his fourth year of electrical apprenticeship training, he is continuing his education through classes at Community College of Baltimore County while working toward becoming a general contractor and earning his Craft Construction Professional credential.
His advice to others is simple: show up, work hard, stay focused, and stick to your plan.
Asia Gibson joined Project JumpStart while looking for a change and a greater sense of purpose. Before the program, she was working in retail and felt stuck in a cycle that lacked challenge and fulfillment. Although she had family members in construction, no women in her family had pursued that path, but she decided to take a chance and try something different.
Through Project JumpStart, Asia gained the opportunity to explore a completely new field, developing hands-on skills and discovering strengths she did not know she had.
Today, she works as a General Laborer with Allan Myers and is approaching two years with the company. Asia encourages others to give Project JumpStart a chance, show up with an open mind, and embrace opportunities that can lead to unexpected connections and career growth.
William Gomes joined Project JumpStart at a turning point in his life. After spending time involved in the streets and returning home after incarceration, he knew he wanted a different path and a future with greater purpose and stability.
Looking for a fresh start and new opportunities, he decided to enroll in the program. William shared that Project JumpStart gave him something he had been missing: a sense of direction and a clearer vision for his future. Since graduating, he has built a career with Shore Construction, where he works as a crewman helping build Airbnb properties for traveling nurses.
William encourages anyone considering Project JumpStart to take the opportunity and fully commit, believing that stepping forward can open the door to meaningful change and a better future.
Israel McNeil joined Project JumpStart after realizing he wanted a more meaningful career path. After spending three years working at Panda Express during and after high school, he knew he wanted work that felt more fulfilling.
His grandmother, who is active in community programs, introduced him to Project JumpStart as a pathway to a new future. Israel felt the program aligned with his family’s history in construction, with his father, grandfather, and great-grandfather all having worked in the field, and he was drawn to the opportunity to work with his hands. Through Project JumpStart, he gained new skills, valuable networking opportunities, and supportive connections.
Today, he is a third-year HVAC apprentice at Tempair and encourages others to stay committed, manage their time well, and embrace learning opportunities.
